Back to School 2023
Posted On: 08-18-2023
By the time you get this school will be in session and each of you have advanced to the next academic class. We wanted to take this time to remind you to do your best and those of you in the senior class it is time to think about post-high school academic opportunities. First off, always consider taking advanced placement courses through your high school. There are many different courses available. Check with your high school counselor about what courses are offered. Here is a link to more information provided by Missouri’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. https://dese.mo.gov/quality-schools/gifted-education/advanced-placement Please remember these courses are available to all students but may be limited by programs available to your high school Second we want you to take advantage of Missouri’s unique A+ program. This is a great way to get your first two years of school for free. Here is a link to check if your school offers the A+ Scholarship Program: https://dese.mo.gov/quality-schools/designated-schools To be eligible for the program a high school senior must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Enter into a written agreement with your high school prior to graduation.
- Attend a designated A+ high school for 2 years prior to graduation.1
- Graduate from an A+ designated high school with an overall unweighted grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- Have at least a 95% attendance record overall for grades 9-12.
- Perform at least 50 hours of unpaid tutoring or mentoring, of which up to 25% may include job shadowing prior to graduation.
- Maintain a record of good citizenship and avoid the unlawful use of drugs and/or alcohol while in grades 9-12.
- Have achieved a score of proficient or advanced on the Algebra I end of course exam or a higher level DESE approved end-of-course exam in the field of mathematics.
In considering the A+ program think about how much this would reduce the cost of a college degree if you wanted to attend a four-year college. The A+ program also assists in obtaining a two-year trade degree should that be the path you want to take. Finally, here is our website list of schools that offer shooting programs. Many of these offer scholarships if you continue into the third and forth year, but some are also a part of the A+ Program. https://moyouthshooting.org/academic-contacts/
David R. Vaught, Ph.D.
Executive Director